Darien triple-murder trial opens today

A DuPage County jury is expected to hear opening statements Thursday in the high-profile trial of Johnny Borizov, who prosecutors say orchestrated the slayings of three members of his ex-girlfriend's family.

Jury selection started Tuesday and by the end of Wednesday, the 12-member panel was seated. Two of three alternate jurors were picked, with one remaining selection to be made Thursday morning.

The trial is poised to be the first in the Chicago area to be covered by the news media with video and still cameras. Judge Daniel Guerin has barred courtroom photography of 10 witnesses, the jury and some evidence exhibits, including autopsy photos and a video from the crime scene.

Borizov, 31, of Willow Springs, is accused of persuading Jacob Nodarse to fatally shoot Jeffrey and Lori Kramer and their adult son, Michael, inside the family's Darien home in March 2010.

The killings happened while Borizov was fighting a bitter child-custody battle with Jeffrey and Lori Kramer's daughter Angela, who is expected to testify during the trial.

Nodarse, 26, formerly of Countryside, has an extensive history of severe mental illness, according to court records. He pleaded guilty but mentally ill to first-degree murder and is slated to take the stand.

Borizov faces charges of first-degree murder and solicitation of murder and maintains he is innocent.

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